Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf
A wooden bowl with bulgur, mushrooms and spinach.

Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf

A hearty side dish with whole grains, veggies and flavored with a savory broth. Add a protein to make it a satisfying main dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Baked Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon are displayed on a platter with a bowl of peach salsa for dipping.

Baked Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Simple and quick home-made chips to dip in any of our fruit salsas.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
24 Chips
Asparagus Mushroom Melt
English muffins topped with chopped asparagus, mushrooms and broiled cheese are shown on plates.

Asparagus Mushroom Melt

English muffins topped with fresh veggies and cheese make this a flavorful appetizer, snack or meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 muffin halves
Pasta Ratatouille
Rotini noodles with vegetables and shredded cheese.

Pasta Ratatouille

Fresh summer veggies and herbs make the perfect topping for hearty pasta.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Spring Fling Vegetable Chowder
Bowl of soup with asparagus and potatoes topped with cheddar cheese.

Spring Fling Vegetable Chowder

A delicious chowder packed with spring vegetables, hearty potatoes and topped with cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Lentil Soup
Bowl of green lentil soup.

Lentil Soup

A warm and savory lentil soup seasoned with garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups